“You displayed a short temper and a lack of tolerance and engaged in angry outbursts and aggressive attacks upon subordinate staff which created an intimidating, hostile and humiliating environment for staff in the ‘ACPO office’ and which you knew or ought to have known would cause distress and anxiety to members of Cheshire Constabulary.”

The gross misconduct hearing will take place in public on April 16 to 27 this year at Warrington Town Hall.

PCC Mr Keane said in a statement that it would not be appropriate for him to comment on the allegations ahead of the hearing.

Mr Byrne headed up Cheshire Constabulary from June 2014 and previously served as an assistant commissioner for the Metropolitan Police, deputy chief constable of Greater Manchester Police and assistant chief constable with Merseyside Police.

The married father-of-two was recently awarded the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM).

In a statement in December 2016, Mr Byrne said: “I am aware that an allegation about my conduct is being investigated by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, in accordance with normal policy and procedure.

“I do not know the detail of the allegation so am unable to make any further comment at the moment. In the meantime, I remain focused on my work in keeping Cheshire safe and fulfilling my national responsibilities.”

Cheshire Police is currently being led by Acting Chief Constable Janette McCormick.

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